Testimonials

 

My favourite pastime is horse riding, which requires quite a high level of fitness”

I had heard a lot about “ Zumba and so went to a class which Lia was taking. I was instantly hooked and inspired by her grace and elegance.

Hopeless at first, I persevered and found that I was becoming more flexible, my core strength was better and improving.

This has translated into my riding and I have a better position in the saddie and am lot stronger now.

 

Thank you Lia you are an amazing Zumba instructor.

 

“Di Johnson-Hill”

 

I started doing Zumba January 2011 with Lia and really enjoy the classes.  I try to do 2 classes a week,  the Zumba toning and Zumba and there is always enough variety to keep me amused and on my toes.  She is very patient and explains everything and goes through new routines breaking it down for you making it easier to pick up.  We always have a laugh but at the same time you can see the passion Lia has which makes it so much more fun and does not feel like we are doing a work out at all.  Thank you so much for a fantastic year of Zumba Lia you are fantastic at what you do X

  

Lisa Eggleton

 

As someone who has always struggled to find a fitness programme to stick to, I was so happy when I discovered Lia's classes.  I was hooked instantly, the mix of music and styles, the energy, the people..... amazing!!

 

Lia is a fabulous instructor, give her class a try, you will not be disappointed.  You'll lose weight, get fitter, have some serious moves for the dance floor, and always leave with a huge smile on your face.

 

 Clare xx (Zin)

I first started Zumba with Lia early 2011. Straight away I fell in love with it as it's a great cardio workout as well as toning the body. I had to move away from Dorking and tried different classes but had to come back to Lia as she was the best instructor I found! I prefer travelling to her and enjoy the classes rather than going to anyone else now! She has a passion for what she does and gives it to others as well as making the classes fun.  Thanks Lia x

 

Dolores

 

I went to one of Lia's classes for the first time a couple of years ago. I wasn't sure how I would get on as I had never done anything like this before and had two left feet. Lia is an incredible dancer and teacher and is truly inspirational. Every move she makes is graceful. Thanks to her guidance and encouragement my co-ordination has improved along with my confidence and I now feel that I can actually dance. Thank you Lia, for your classes which are fun, fun, fun and are the highlight of my week.

 

Debbie Harding

 

I joined Lia's 'party' classes last October. I am pleased to say she has been an inspiration and a great support in my decision to lose weight and get fit. Zumba is great fun, you don't even realise you're working hard as it is so exhilarating.

 

Lia encourages a great friendly, fun atmosphere and I would recommend joining her to anyone, young or old and in-between. There is something for all.

 

Joy Williams

 

I have been doing Zumba for about 2 years now with Lia and really enjoy it. The classes are good fun and Lia always gives a great positive and energetic vibe in ALL her classes which always bounces off to everyone in the class. She is fantastic instructor and really good at explaining the moves in each routine. All her song choices and routines are always fun and exciting.

 

Silvana Virciglio xx

 

 

I found Lia's class when my boyfriend and I joined Woking leisure centre, having never heard of Zumba before but always having a love of Latin music and dance. I quickly became hooked and usually attend three classes a week. It's great exercise and so much fun. Lia works really hard to get the best out of all of us, no matter what our ability and I see people all around me improving both their fitness and confidence week by week. Lia is always ahead of new Zumba trends and keeps us all interested with exciting music choices and regular Zumba events. She often invites guest instructors along and I really enjoy the variety her classes give us. She is a brilliant instructor and along with all the friends I have made (an incredibly fun & welcoming group of ladies), we think her classes are fab. I thoroughly recommend people join us or one of the other classes Lia runs in the area.

 

Charlotte Louise Alderton

 

I have been doing Zumba for a few years now and I still love it today as I did when I first started.  Lia is an amazing instructor and we all have fun doing her routines.  Lia brings such joy to her classes which I why I still go.  She is such an inspiration and you can see she loves her job.  The classes are always fun and it’s a great work out J

 

Gera xxx

 

I started Zumba about 5 years ago with different instructors and then Lia took over the Zumba classes and i haven't looked back since.  I love Lia's classes as she has such a passion and love for Zumba. I do Zumba and Zumba toning with Lia, I enjoy them so much and have even lost a lot of weight through these classes!  Lia has great patience and will explain new routines for people to follow, which helps a lot!  Lia is a natural when it comes to teaching and her dancing is just incredible.  Her classes are so much fun and i always leave with a smile on my face.

 

Jess xxx

 

One of the great things about Lia's class is; it doesn't matter how old you are, what size or shape you are, or even if you can dance (!) everyone is welcome. The routines are fresh and exciting whilst remaining easy to pick up, everyone is very friendly and have a real passion for this fantastic class. You can't help but love the music and the routines and get completely hooked ;-)

 

Cara Percy

 

I have been doing Zumba with Lia for the last 4 years now. I am always amazed by the level of energy and enthusiasm that she puts into each class. Over these few years I have learnt many styles of dance including Salsa,Samba, Cha,cha,cha and merengue. We as a group have learnt many routines and find Lia,s enthusiasm for dance very infectious . In the past 6 months I have started to do Zumba toning and Zumba Sentao which I have found particularly helpful in improving my core muscles.

 

I am so thankful for everything I have learnt and for everyone I have met since I started going to Zumba with Lia. I feel it take a very good teacher to enthuse someone to return week after week and

still enjoy and look forward to each and every class. I am very lucky I found that teacher in Lia Santos

 

Anne Gosling

 

I have been enjoying Zumba classes with Lia for almost five years.  I can remember being at the back of the room, not sure where to go or what to do.  From that point Lia has taken so many of us on a journey of dance experience, confidence building, body awareness and fun.  In 2008 we did the Notting Hill Carnival with her, she has shown us Aqua Zumba, Zumba Toning and now Zumba Sentao.  She is a dedicated professional and never stops introducing new routines, music and motivation.  She wants the best from us and I absolutely love the challenge of learning something new, changing the shape of my body and getting the most incredible workout.

 

Wendy Allen x

 

Loved your Zest classes - your abs workout had me in about 5 different types of pain the next day... and you did it all with such an innocent smile on your face! Can't wait until the next ZumbaFest/Zest :)

 

Nikki xxx (Zin)

 

I have been going to Lias Zumba classes for a few years now.  A friend  of mine recommended it and I was hooked instantly. Her classes are fun, energetic and a brilliant workout and I look forward to going.  Her direction is easy to understand and the routines are great.  When I see Lia dance I think "I want to move just like that".  Lia was born to dance!!  She is an amazing Instructor who has now become a very good friend.

 

Tanina Schifano (Zin)

 

After becoming bored and demotivated with the monotony of the gym.

It was suggested by one of my trainers I try  Zumba 

 

I joined Lias class last October and have never looked back.

One class a week led to two, then a third Zumba toning class with weights, which now incorporates the new addition to Zumba exercise Sentao,,,exercise sitting down how fab is that ?

 

Plus many other Zumba, and Salsa events which have greatly improved my social life.

I am completely hooked and loving every minute.

 

I am not a dancer,  2 left feet in fact  !!

Plus  I am over 60 years old ,

But with Lia's motivation ,expertise and genuine caring personality 

I now sometimes "Zumba" on  stage in front of the whole class, this is due to  her support and encouragement 

 

Lias Zumba community is about caring sharing and love..

I started Zumba to get fit ,,and to LOSE weight,,,,but I FOUND friends !!

 

Lia's Zumba is not about a skinny lycra clad community only interested in themselves.

It is a caring sharing community led by a great person, who is a  brilliant Instructor and a genuine friend .

.

Thanks Lia and long may you continue to lead us.

Jilly Richards 

 

Hi Lia

 

We spoke at the Zest Weekender, regarding the level of instruction at the event & I just wanted to touch base again & say that I really enjoyed your sessions & appreciated your instruction, which was the best that I experienced over the weekend.

 

Thanks again & kind regards

 

Lynn Christina

 

I first started going to Lia's Samba Aerobics classes back in 2005 when my flat mate came home raving about a fantastic exercise class she had done at our local gym.

She was so enthused I had to try myself.....and she wasn't wrong, WHAT FUN!!! I was bitten by the bug and caught up instantly in Lia's friendly, encouraging and enthusiastic approach to how she taught her classes.

The class would zip by and I would bounce home on a high. I then became the one raving about the classes. Lia is SOOO passionate about what she does, she agreed to come and do a dance project with some children

at the school where I worked. She's such an amazing dancer and her enthusiasm is so infectious, it wasn't long before pupils, staff and parents were asking when she was coming back.

Lia went on to run weekly classes for both the kids, staff and parents for 3 years at my school.....driving all the way from Guildford just for us...She made a great impact on us all.

WE MISS YOU LIA here in North London....COME BACK :)

If you're reading this and you live in the area where she teaches, don't waste anymore time get down to one of her classes. You won't regret it.

 

Dani xxxx

 

I'm Spanish and grew up to the sound of Latin music. It has been difficult to find a way to bring that kind of cheer in my life since I came to England in 1997

About 3 years ago I discovered Zumba and since then is like twice a week at least I can go back to all the nights dancing!!!

I have been doing Zumba with Lia since she started and really enjoy the Brazilian twist to all her dances, in fact I need to learn them well for my trip to Brazil this year

 

Every week I look forwards to Lia's class, knowing that apart from having a fantastic time, get to burn lots of calories, I'm also getting a fantastic instructor that takes pride not only on teaching, but on teaching well

 

Thanks a million, Lia, and see you next Wednesday!!!!

 

Mercedes, Guildford

 

Lia is a true inspiration.  My first Zumba class with Lia introduced me to not only a new workout - but a complete new world.  To say that her classes are truly inspiring is an understatement.  As an ex-professional dancer I am fussy about the Zumba classes that I attend because I want my instructor to not only produce a good workout for me but also to choreograph routines that are challenging and fun.  Lia does this and more.  She has the spirit to uplift and the attitude to encourage you to excel.  Thank you Lia for your hard work and dedication.  It has helped me immensely.